George - Volunteer It Yourself (Fusion Leatherhead)
Volunteer It Yourself (VIY) is a volunteering programme which combines volunteering and DIY by supporting young people aged 14-24 to learn trade and building skills by fixing community buildings in need of essential repairs.
George is a 24-year-old from Ockley, Surrey. He, along with a group of 15 other young people who volunteered on the project, is from The Amber Foundation.
Amber is a foundation that aims to help homeless, unemployed young people move on to positive, independent futures.
George's ultimate ambition is a career in painting and decorating, so he was delighted with the opportunity to take part in this Volunteer It Yourself (VIY) project at the Fusion Leatherhead Leisure Centre.
Here George shares his thoughts on the VIY project at Leatherhead, and his future career plans:
What inspired you to take part in this VIY project?
This is something that I have always been interested in, not only painting and decorating but all sorts including construction and DIY. I really liked the sound of the chance with this project to try this out and learn new skills. I would really like to work in painting and decorating in the future so I am very happy to have been given this opportunity.
What have you learned from being part of this project?
I have learnt how to use a paint brush properly and different techniques with it. I now know why it is important to mask areas and why it is important to do this before painting. I also learnt about teamwork, this has 100% helped me because before I never liked working in a team but now I know I can and that it helps you achieve more.
What did you like most about working in a team?
We are all working together and cracking on to get the job done but we are all having fun and a laugh while doing so. The mentors have also helped in the team a great deal to make sure the job is done well.
What have you enjoyed most about working on this project?
I really like the fact that we are giving back to the community, I think the community will benefit a lot form this project and the place looks a lot better now with the fresh coat of paint so hopefully it is used more.
Any other thoughts? I just want to say thank-you so much to the people who gave me this opportunity to work on this project, I'm very happy to be a part of it.
